One of the questions we hear most often at the front desk is "I want whiter teeth, but which method should I pick?" Some people worry that whitening at home is unsafe. Others worry that whitening at the clinic is too expensive. Both concerns are fair, because each method has real pros and cons. This article walks through them one at a time so you can choose what suits you, with the safety of your teeth first.
In-office whitening
This is the fastest method, and a dentist supervises every step. People who choose it usually have a date in mind: a wedding, an important event, or photos in a few days.
At the clinic, the Tooth Boutique dental team examines your teeth and gums first, protects the gums, then applies a high-concentration whitening gel to the tooth surface. A light may be used to speed up the reaction. A session takes about one to two hours.
- Pros: Visible results in a single visit. Every step is controlled. Gums and soft tissue are protected.
- Cons: Temporary sensitivity afterwards is common. It costs more than the other methods.
A take-home kit from the clinic
If you are not in a hurry, a take-home kit is a good option. We scan your teeth with a digital 3D scanner and make whitening trays that fit your teeth exactly, then give you a gel at a lower concentration than the one used in the clinic. You wear the trays at home for about 30 to 60 minutes a day for roughly one to two weeks, following the dentist's instructions.
- Pros: Gradual, natural-looking change. A custom tray spreads the gel evenly, and the concentration is controlled.
- Cons: Takes longer, and you have to wear the trays every day.
Over-the-counter products
Whitening strips, gels, pens and whitening toothpastes are easy to find and inexpensive. They contain much less whitening agent than clinic products, so results take longer. Because they are not shaped to your teeth, the color can come out uneven, especially between teeth or on teeth that are not perfectly aligned.
Most whitening toothpastes work by scrubbing stains off the surface. They do not change the color of the tooth itself, and used too often or too hard they can wear the surface.
- Pros: Convenient and cheaper than professional whitening.
- Cons: Slow, uneven, and often not as white as you hoped.
Home remedies
Baking soda, lemon juice, coconut oil, charcoal powder. We know these recipes are shared everywhere online, but some of them harm teeth. Lemon juice is highly acidic and thins the enamel; as enamel gets thinner, the yellower dentin underneath shows through more, and the teeth become sensitive. Baking soda and charcoal are abrasives: used regularly they wear the surface without making the tooth itself any whiter.
- Pros: Feels natural to many people, and costs almost nothing.
- Cons: Risk of enamel damage, and no clear whitening effect.
What we recommend
There is no single right answer. It depends on your starting shade, the health of your teeth and gums, how much time you have, and your budget.
- Want a clear result in one visit? Choose in-office whitening.
- Not in a hurry and want to control the cost? Choose a take-home kit from the clinic.
- Some people do both: whiten at the clinic first, then use the take-home trays to keep the shade.
What matters more than the method is the check-up before you whiten. Untreated decay, inflamed gums or worn enamel should be dealt with first; otherwise the gel can cause a lot of sensitivity and the result will not be as good as it could be. Some discoloration does not respond to whitening at all, such as staining from certain medications or a tooth that has had root canal treatment. In those cases veneers may be the better route.
Please do not use unapproved products, and do not experiment on your own enamel.
Price
Teeth whitening at Tooth Boutique is 4,900 to 6,500 baht. This is a starting price. We confirm the exact fee after examining your teeth. The full list is on the price list.
Book a consultation
Not sure which method fits you, or whether your teeth will respond to whitening at all? Come in and let us take a look first.
- LINE
- Phone: 098 831 0246
- Open daily 10:00–20:00 (closed Tuesdays)
- Tooth Boutique Dental Clinic, Venice Di Iris, Vacharapol Road, Bang Khen, Bangkok. Parking available.